This will most likely be a mix of the Queqiao lunar communications and positioning network, the Qianfan or Guowang low Earth orbit communications constellation, and possibly the BeiDou network.
For those wanting to know more, the Queqiao network currently has two satellite around the Moon to support the Chang'e 4 and Chang'e 6 missions. This network is expected to be expanded ahead of China's first crewed lunar landing and during the construction phase of the International Lunar Research Station.
Qianfan is a Shanghai government-backed low Earth orbit mega-constellation to provide communications and internet worldwide via a network of 15,000 satellites. GuoWang is similar but backed by the Central Government and has 13,000 satellites planned for launch. Both of these mega-constellations should be largely complete in the mid-2030s.
The BeiDou network currently has 60 satellites in various Earth orbits to provide positioning data and communications. This network has just had the final launch of the third-generation satellites, with the fourth-generation on the way around 2030. Fourth-generation satellites will likely boast high-speed interlinks to allow for communications between low Earth and lunar orbit constellations.
All three of these networks working in unison should allow for near-constant communications with spacecraft on and around the Moon.
This will most likely be a mix of the Queqiao lunar communications and positioning network, the Qianfan or Guowang low Earth orbit communications constellation, and possibly the BeiDou network.
For those wanting to know more, the Queqiao network currently has two satellite around the Moon to support the Chang'e 4 and Chang'e 6 missions. This network is expected to be expanded ahead of China's first crewed lunar landing and during the construction phase of the International Lunar Research Station.
Qianfan is a Shanghai government-backed low Earth orbit mega-constellation to provide communications and internet worldwide via a network of 15,000 satellites. GuoWang is similar but backed by the Central Government and has 13,000 satellites planned for launch. Both of these mega-constellations should be largely complete in the mid-2030s.
The BeiDou network currently has 60 satellites in various Earth orbits to provide positioning data and communications. This network has just had the final launch of the third-generation satellites, with the fourth-generation on the way around 2030. Fourth-generation satellites will likely boast high-speed interlinks to allow for communications between low Earth and lunar orbit constellations.
All three of these networks working in unison should allow for near-constant communications with spacecraft on and around the Moon.